Category: News

Doane College baseball alum, Concordia football star and former Husker basketball player are the latest recipients of assistance from the Nebraska Greats Foundation

Posted on by Matt Tompkins

Doane College baseball alum, Concordia football star and former Husker basketball player are the latest recipients of assistance from the Nebraska Greats Foundation

Doane College baseball alum, Concordia football star and former Husker basketball player are the latest recipients of assistance from the Nebraska Greats Foundation

The Nebraska Greats Foundation (501C-3 nonprofit) www.negreats.org which serves former athletes from Nebraska’s 4-year colleges and universities who face medical and financial challenges, announces life changing grants to three in-need former college sports heroes.

Jeremy Fossum, of Bellevue, NE (Doane/Baseball) was diagnosed with an operable brain tumor. Beyond the age when he could be covered by his family health insurance, Jeremy was saddled with sizable expense from the operation and associated care. The burden was made worse by significant student loan debt as he pursues a career in physical therapy. Said Fossum, “Finding out about the tumor, I had no thoughts about the cost but then when the bills started to arrive, I became very concerned. I wasn’t sure I would have any way to pay for the health care. Glory to God, He changed my life through the NGF.”

Gerald Morris (Concordia/Football) was seriously injured as a passenger in a spring automobile accident in Utah.His injuries required extensive surgery, rehabilitation and hospital stays. “The Nebraska Greats is a god-send to Gerald and his family. What an incredible, caring organization that literally changes peoples lives.” Said Concordia football coach Patrick Daberkow.”

Larry Florence (UNL/Basketball), a past NGF recipient continues his valiant fight against Multiple Myeloma. His grant will assist with travel to and from treatments, hospital stays and care.

Former Husker basketball standout latest recipient of grant from Nebraska Greats Foundation

Posted on by Matt Tompkins

Former Husker basketball standout latest recipient of grant from Nebraska Greats Foundation

Former Husker basketball standout latest recipient of grant from Nebraska Greats Foundation

The Nebraska Greats Foundation, a (501C-3) nonprofit providing life changing support to former letter winning athletes from any of Nebraska’s 16 4-year colleges and universities, proudly announces its latest grant.

Bernard Day, a two-year standout for Husker Basketball from 1985-87 received a grant to support his recovery from reconstructive knee surgery.

“I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the Nebraska Greats. You all have come through for me by granting me the help I am so thankful for. Having required knee replacement surgery, the last few years have been very challenging, and this is such a blessing. Thank you for taking some weight off my shoulders. I greatly enjoyed my time playing for the Huskers. And even though I was miles away, I always felt that as a Husker, I was always among family.” Said Day who led Nebraska into its first NCAA Tournament game in 1986 and helped lead the Huskers to the NIT Final Four in 1987 as a two-year starter for coaches Moe Iba and Danny Nee.

Since its founding the NGF has provided more than $400,000 in grants to athletes who face a medical need and a financial hardship.

York College Soccer star latest recipient of assistance from the Nebraska Greats Foundation

Posted on by Matt Tompkins

York College Soccer star latest recipient of assistance from the Nebraska Greats Foundation

York College Soccer star latest recipient of assistance from the Nebraska Greats Foundation

The Nebraska Greats Foundation (501C-3 nonprofit) www.negreats.org which serves former letter winners from Nebraska’s 4-year colleges and universities who face medical and financial challenges, announces a grant to aid a current student-athlete.

Christofer Monje, a senior Goalkeeper for the York College Panthers recently underwent facial surgery after being injured in a game. Medical expenses exceeded those covered by school provided insurance. Monje, originally from Santiago, Chile applied for a grant to cover those expenses directly related to the procedure and post operative care. “When it came to cover the medical expenses, it was really hard, and more so being an international student. This is when The Nebraska Greats Foundation came to help me. Without them I couldn’t afford this injury and might have had to leave school.” Said Monje.

The NGF serves both female and male athletes from 16 Nebraska colleges and Universities. A complete list of past recipients can be found at www.negreats.org. Donations to the NE Greats are welcomed at www.negreats.org/giving

Former UNO Standout Latest Nebraska Greats Recipient

Posted on by Matt Tompkins

Former UNO Standout Latest Nebraska Greats Recipient

Former UNO Standout Latest Nebraska Greats Recipient

The Nebraska Greats Foundation, a 501C-3 nonprofit community foundation has issued its latest grant to a former collegiate athletics standout. Rocco Gonnella, (UNO ’71) a former standout QB has received a grant for life saving assistance.

The 72-year-old Gonnella, from Syracuse, NY is struggling from the effects of end-of-life issues including dementia, Parkinson’s Disease, and diabetes in addition to treatable but not curable throat cancer.

He needs around the clock nursing care, transportation, and medication. The NGF grant will supplement his Medicare Benefits.

“We would like to thank the Nebraska Greats Foundation for helping our Uncle Rocco Gonnella to get the medical care he needs at a wonderful Senior Assisted Living facility. Without your help it would have not been possible, and we appreciate all that you have done.” Says Nicole Forsythe, Gonnella’s niece.

Gonnella was a starting QB for the Mavericks while an undergrad.

With this grant, the NGF has issued nearly $400,000 in tax free benefits to in need former letterwinners from any of the 16 Nebraska-based 4-year colleges and universities. Recipient candidates must apply for assistance and meet medical and financial requirements. At no time does a recipient receive a direct subsidy rather the NGF makes all payments to approved service providers.